Just as food filled with loads of oil and calories can cause acne flares and jeopardise your waistline, unhealthy food can also cause damage to your healthy hair and scalp. Every individual craves for healthy and better looking hair, luscious locks, that won't diminish with age. Hence, be careful of what you eat, as the nutrients you consume are essential to fortify follicles, each strand of your hair and your scalp. Today, Priya Kathpal - Nutritionist, shares a list of super foods, to bring in bounce and luster back to your hair. If you want to get rid of dull, dry, or greasy hair, then pile up your plate with these foods and see the difference. Presenting 20 best foods for healthy hair and scalp.

Healthy Hair Food # 1: Salmon

The key ingredients for a healthy hair and scalp are protein and vitamin D. Salmon is a great source of protein, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. This omega-3 fatty acid is very much essential to keep your scalp and hair shaft very well hydrated. As healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp, get in more omega-3 fatty acids in your diet.

Healthy Hair Food # 2: Beef

Dr. Sandeep Suttar – Hair Restoration and Skin Rejuvenation surgeon at HairRevive, Mumbai, says: "If you don’t have cholesterol problems, then you must consume this meat at least twice a day. This food has all the possible nutrients that your hair needs for its up keep. The presence of protein, vitamin B, iron, zinc and other vital minerals will help to maintain the health of your scalp and hair." Lastly, Dr. Sandeep says, "Though it is rich in nutrients, the consumption of beef should be minimum to avoid other health problems."

Healthy Hair Food # 3: Prunes

Including prunes in your diet can help to improve your hair texture as well as proper bowl movements. As it is rich in iron, it helps prevent hair loss, dull hair, thin hair, and discoloration of your hair.

Healthy Hair Food # 4: Green tea

The presence of polyphenols helps in keeping your scalp healthy. If your scalp is healthy, then the overall health of your hair improves, as it helps to keep your hair shiny and dandruff free. Dr. Sandeep shares a quick fix to treat your dandruff problem with this miraculous tea. Washing your hair with green tea or applying it on your scalp will help to kill your dandruff worries.

Healthy Hair Food # 5: Carrots

Carrots not only help to sharpen your vision but also to maintain the health of your hair due to the presence of vitamin A. Existence of vitamin A helps in formation of sebum oil in the scalp – says Dr. Sandeep. Sebum is a very important element which helps to keep the scalp and hair very well moisturized. A moisturized scalp means healthy hair.

Healthy Hair Food # 6: Eggs

Eggs are rich in biotin and vitamin B. These two nutrients are very important for the health and maintenance of your hair. Biotin is a star element, which helps to keep your hair shiny and lustrous. Biotin is also present in many shampoos and conditioners and is one of the important elements needed for hair health.

Healthy Hair Food # 7: Dark green leafy vegetables

Include lots of dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, broccoli and lettuces in your diet. All these dark green leafy vegetables are an excellent source of vitamin A and Vitamin C. Both these vitamins help in the formation of sebum, which is a natural hair conditioner and hence moisturizes your skin and scalp.

Healthy Hair Food # 8: Brown rice

Brown rice has some protein, vitamins and fiber. Besides giving you healthy hair and scalp, it also keeps you from over eating as it keeps you full for a longer time. Hence, switch to brown rice now to maintain your hair as well as your body.

Healthy Hair Food # 9: Oysters

Hair loss or dandruff is due to low level of hormone androgen production. Include oysters in your diet as they are rich in zinc, which further helps in the production of androgen and hence fights against hair fall and dandruff. Besides, it also helps your locks retain shine and health.

Healthy Hair Food # 10: Walnuts

Walnuts are one of the best nuts for your hair nourishment and maintenance. As they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, biotin, vitamin E and copper they protect your hair against damage from the sun by being a shield when you venture out; they also prevent hair loss and help keep your hair lustrous and rich in color.

Healthy Hair Food # 11: Cottage cheese

Besides it being low-fat, cottage cheese is also rich in calcium and protein. Include this healthy cheese for breakfast if your goal is to get rid of dull hair and shed some extra kilos at the same time.

Healthy Hair Food # 12: Green peas

Green peas are a well balanced food available for healthy hair. They are loaded with all types of minerals and vitamins like zinc, iron and vitamin B, which help in maintaining the health of your hair and scalp.

Healthy Hair Food # 13: Lentils

"If you really want healthy hair and scalp, then include lentils in your diet at least 3-4 times a week," says Priya. Lentils are rich in folic acid. Presence of folic acid helps in providing the requisite amount of oxygen to your scalp and skin, which further promotes hair growth and cell renewal.

Healthy Hair Food # 14: Bell peppers

Include all colors of bell peppers in your diet as they are a great source of vitamin C. Vitamin C guarantees efficient transition of oxygen to hair follicles. Besides, it also helps in the formation of collagen and promotes hair growth and prevents hair breakage.

Healthy Hair Food # 15: Whole grains

Whole grains are rich in nutrients and fibers. This promotes hair growth and makes it a super food for healthy hair. Besides, it also aids good digestion and prevents ailments like diabetes, obesity and constipation.

Healthy Hair Food # 16: Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are loaded with beta-carotene, which when consumed gets converted to vitamin A. Vitamin A prevents dull scalp and hair and promotes growth and proper circulation of oxygen to the hair follicle.

Healthy Hair Food # 17: Blueberries

This super fruit is loaded with vitamin C, which helps in oxygen circulation to the scalp and hair follicles, and prevents hair breakage.

Healthy Hair Food # 18: Bacon

Though it is an enemy if you want to kick some calories, but if you want healthy hair then you should consume not more than 4 ounces – says Priya. It is loaded with all healthy hair promoting nutrients like vitamin B, zinc and protein.

Healthy Hair Food # 19: Shrimps

Shrimps are not only delicious but also a great doctor for your dull hair and scalp. Shrimps are loaded with vitamin B12, iron and zinc, all of which prevent hair loss and promote growth and maintenance.

Healthy Hair Food # 20: Pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds are a perfect hair rejuvenating snack. They're good for overall health, as they are loaded with protein, omega-6 fatty acids, zinc and iron.